Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties – This addictive mix is great for sharing and keeps guests coming back for more.
- Sweet & Salty Balance – The combination of caramelized sweetness and salty crunch is irresistible.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a foolproof recipe.
- Great for Gifting – Pack it in decorative bags for a homemade holiday gift.
- Customizable – You can add extra ingredients like chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 cups crispy rice or corn cereal (like Chex)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cereal, pecans, and pretzel sticks.
- Make the praline coating: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the soda and vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble and become frothy.
- Coat the mix: Pour the hot praline mixture over the cereal, pecans, and pretzels. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Cool: Let the party mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break it into clusters and transfer to a serving bowl or an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 10 cups
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Chocolate Addition – Stir in M&M’s or chocolate chips after the mix has cooled for extra sweetness.
- Nut Mix-Up – Swap pecans for almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or pumpkin spice for a twist.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free cereal and pretzels to make this mix gluten-free.
- Drizzled Delight – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled mix for a gourmet touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If the mix softens, bake it at 250°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well for up to a week in an airtight container, making it a great make-ahead snack.
2. Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Honey can make the coating a bit stickier.
3. What other nuts work well in this recipe?
Almonds, walnuts, or cashews are great alternatives to pecans.
4. How do I keep the mix from becoming too hard?
Make sure not to overcook the praline coating. Baking soda helps keep it light and crisp.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking sheet or two to ensure even baking.
6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in any additional mix-ins.
7. What’s the best way to package this for gifting?
Use decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a festive touch.
8. Can I make this in the microwave?
You can, but the oven method gives a better caramelized texture.
9. How do I make this recipe nut-free?
Replace pecans with additional pretzels or sunflower seeds for crunch.
10. Can I add dried fruit?
Yes! Dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins add a chewy contrast to the crunch.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Crunchy Praline Party Mix is the perfect snack for any occasion. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and great for sharing. Whether you’re serving it at a party, packaging it as a gift, or just enjoying it as a treat, this mix will quickly become a favorite! Try different variations and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness.
PrintSweet and Crunchy Praline Party Mix
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Crunchy Praline Party Mix is the ultimate snack for any occasion! A delicious blend of crispy cereal, crunchy pecans, and salty pretzels, all coated in a rich praline glaze, creates the perfect sweet and salty balance. Perfect for parties, gifting, or just a tasty treat, this easy-to-make recipe will keep everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 8 cups crispy rice or corn cereal (like Chex)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine cereal, pecans, and pretzels.
- Make Praline Coating – Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add Flavoring – Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble and froth.
- Coat the Mix – Pour praline mixture over the cereal, nuts, and pretzels. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Bake – Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool & Serve – Let the mix cool completely before breaking into clusters. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Bake at 250°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Customization: Add M&M’s, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack, Party Food, Holiday Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American